Courtesy ARCC
By Ann Donnelly
For James Lenhart, the path to business ownership in the fitness industry began not in a corporate boardroom, but in a small high school weight room in Ticonderoga, New York. Today, as the owner-operator of Anytime Fitness franchises in Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, Lenhart is using his background in kinesiology and professional strength training to help a new generation of Adirondack residents reach their physical goals.
Lenhart’s interest in fitness was sparked at age 14 when his physical education coaches suggested he visit the weight room to improve his performance in baseball and football. He quickly noticed the “positive impact” on his body and decided to pursue a career helping others experience similar changes.
“I thought I would love to do something like this and help people,” Lenhart said.
He attended SUNY Cortland, a school renowned for its physical education and kinesiology programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, a field he defines as the “study of human movement.” During his college years, Lenhart secured a strength and conditioning internship with the New York Jets, followed by another internship at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
While Lenhart spent three years in management and sales for a large health club chain in Florida, the pull of home and family eventually brought him back to upstate New York. A personal loss—the unexpected passing of a close high school mentor who was also a friend’s mother—solidified his decision to return to the Glens Falls area in 2014 to be closer to his family.
Lenhart was working as Manager of Anytime Fitness in Latham when, in 2017, Scott Daley, owner of the Glens Falls and Hudson Falls locations, recruited Lenhart to come on board as Manager. After nearly a decade of increasing responsibility, he purchased both locations on Jan. 3, 2023.
Transitioning from manager to owner brought new fiscal challenges, including navigating tax codes and managing large-scale expenses like a recent HVAC installation and gym remodels. Lenhart emphasized the importance of a “rainy day fund” for small business owners, noting that “anything can happen.”
Lenhart’s vision for the future of his clubs required a significant investment to meet franchise requirements and better serve his 1,000-plus members. Recognizing that a full-scale renovation and rebrand were necessary for both the Glens Falls and Hudson Falls locations, he embarked on the rigorous process of securing an SBA 7(a) loan.
The journey to secure the necessary capital was long and detailed. Lenhart worked with Pursuit Lending to navigate the extensive requirements of the loan. He noted that while the process was long and thorough, the support he received made the difference. “It’s extensive, but that’s understandable, and working with Pursuit makes all the difference,” Lenhart said. He maintained constant communication with his lending team, often being on the phone two or three times a week for several months to ensure every financial detail was in place.
To strengthen his application, Lenhart also utilized the New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC). He worked closely with an advisor to develop the professional pro formas and profit projections required for SBA compliance. This expert assistance ensured that when it came time to present his financials to lenders, there was no doubt about the business’s viability. Lenhart described the final result of this collaborative effort as a “slam dunk” that allowed him to complete the construction and branding updates his clubs needed to thrive.
The Anytime Fitness model differs from a traditional “big box” gym by offering a more private, studio-like atmosphere with 24-hour global access. Members use a key fob to enter, and the facilities are equipped with a high-end security system, including emergency buttons and a full camera network with “no blind spots.”
“It feels almost more like a private studio,” Lenhart said.
Central to this personalized, studio-like atmosphere is the club’s trainer, Rianne Pink, whose high energy and deep expertise help members navigate their fitness journeys. Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Pink is skilled in working with a diverse range of clients, from young athletes to seniors. Lenhart notes her infectious enthusiasm, remarking, “I hear her trained clients and think, ‘Oh my god, I’d like to work out with her,’ she’s that energetic and enthusiastic”.
To stay competitive, Lenhart recently remodeled both locations, adding artificial turf for functional training and heavy sleds for conditioning. The gyms also feature high-tech tools, such as an Evolt full-body scanner that uses bioimpedance to measure muscle mass, body fat, bone density, and hydration levels.
Now settled in Glens Falls with his wife and two daughters, Lenhart is proud to serve his community by providing a ‘convenient gym with a nice atmosphere,’ emphasizing his commitment to residents’ well-being.
For more information on Anytime Fitness Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, visit anytimefitness.com.